Valentine’s Day comes just once a year and what better way to show a loved one that you care than by taking them out for a romantic dinner. Edinburgh has a superb selection of romantic restaurants, presenting delicious dishes in an amorous ambience. We’ve picked out some of our favourite places to help you choose where to take that special someone.
Cauldron
This Valentine’s Day enjoy the magic and mystery of The Cauldron, the wizard themed bar inspired by fantasy and science-fiction. To celebrate the recognised day of love and affection, the team at The Cauldron have created an extra special cocktail “Damiana’s charm” which is named after the drinks unusual key ingredient of ground Damiana leaf. The plant has been used throughout history as an aphrodisiac and according to the bars head potions master has had its magical properties exploited in teas and incense for hundreds of years – and so a pairing with Raspberry and vodka was always going to be the next inevitable step!
This vodka based drink has a rich pink colour and arrives combined with egg white, for a head of foam and thick velvety consistency. This is a well balanced drink with contributions of florality (Rose) Bitterness (Campari) and just a hint of earthiness (Damiana).
Much more than your typical “Pink fluffy drink” but still totally delicious and very accessible to those searching for an easy win.
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Book your place here. thecauldron.io/edinburgh
Dine
This Valentine’s Day at multi-award winning brasserie Dine, enjoy a romantic and truly decadent three course gourmet experience for just £39 per person plus tea or coffee. For starters there is Fruits de mer (for two) consisting of Scottish oysters, langoustines, mussels, smoked salmon, king prawns, clams, capers, aioli, lemon and mignonette. Alternatively, enjoy a hearty wild mushroom risotto with spinach, parmesan and truffle oil.
Valentine mains offer up a succulent roast rack of lamb (for two) served with a brioche and herb crumb, Boulangere potatoes, roast aubergine compote, heritage carrots and thyme jus. Or there’s the delicious caramelised leek, sweet potato and ricotta pithivier, served with charred asparagus, roast shallot purée, hazel nut and oatmeal dressing.
And who can resist the sweetest of Dine treats – an indulgent chocolate tart with macerated strawberries and prosecco sorbet. There’s also a selection of British and continental cheese available, served with oatcakes, millers damsels, caramelised onion chutney, pickled grapes.
For bookings visit www.dineedinburgh.co.uk or call 0131 228 1818.
The Ivy
Love is in the air at The Ivy on the Square this February with the arrival of a special installation, sweet treats and cocktails, just in time for Valentine’s Day. From Wednesday, 5 February, the restaurant’s entrance will be adorned with an eye-catching floral ‘Love Promises’ installation, inspired by the iconic ‘Ponts des Arts’ bridge in Paris.
Featuring a display of stunning pink and red roses, the installation will include an area where guests will be encouraged to place their very own ‘Love Promises’ padlocks gifted to diners who enjoy the restaurant’s Valentine’s Day dessert at the end of their meal.
The special Valentine’s dessert ‘Roses are Red, Berries are too’ is a delicious white chocolate cheesecake complete with raspberries and strawberries (£16.95). Created to share, it is available from 13-16 February.
Lovers can also get their hands on two romantic cocktails from Monday, 10 February, including the Rose Fizz (£11.50) which is made using Lanique Spirit of Rose and Ivy Collection Champagne, or for Martini lovers the Rose Petal Martini (£9.75) which includes Lanique Spirit of Rose, Plymouth Gin, Lychee juice and dashes of Peychauds Bitters.
For bookings visit www.theivyedinburgh.com
Cannonball
Celebrate the most romantic day of the year at Cannonball Restaurant with their fantastic three or five course tasting menu showcasing the very best of Scottish seasonal produce. Treat your loved one to award winning food and service set in one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful rooms.
Your evening does not have to finish after dinner – why not join us in our cosy bar for cocktails, whisky and coffee.
For bookings visit www.contini.com
The Balmoral
The Balmoral will offer a week of Valentine’s Afternoon Tea from Monday 10th February to Sunday 16th February, with a live harpist, in the heart of the hotel at Palm Court. Enjoy an intimate dinner for two with the delicious six-course tasting menu at Michelin Star restaurant, Number One, and there is no better way to finish the day, than over a nightcap with your other half at a whisky tasting in the cosy and intimate surroundings of the hotel’s Scotch bar or try one of the Lanique Valentine’s cocktails at Bar Prince.
For Bookings Visit www.roccofortehotels.com
